The role of robots in the green economy

Abstract

PurposeThis aims to illustrate the role robotic technology is playing in the key sectors of the green economy.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a short introduction, this paper discusses existing and potential robotic applications in three key sectors of green economy: renewable energy, recycling and waste management and sustainable transport. This is followed by a discussion and concluding comments.FindingsRobots are playing critical and growing roles in each of the three sectors of the green economy considered. Uses are expanding in the production of renewable energy systems and in their inspection and maintenance. Advances in AI and machine vision have enabled robotic mixed waste sorting which plays a vital role in recycling, and the robotic disassembly of electronic products is also gaining pace. Robots are being used extensively in the sustainable transport sector in the manufacture of electric vehicles and also in the production and recycling of electric vehicle batteries. Emerging applications include robotic vehicle recharging and battery swapping.Originality/valueThis provides an insight into the many ways in which robots are contributing to key sectors of the green economy.